Misbah says Proteas series 'biggest challenge' as Pak captain

Johannesburg, Jan 19(ANI): Pakistan captain Misbahul Haq has claimed his team's series against top-ranked South Africa next month is the biggest challenge of his three-year tenure as their leader.

Pakistan would play three Tests, the first starting in Johannesburg on February 1, followed by two Twenty20 internationals and five one-day matches, Sport24 reports.

Since taking over as captain after the spot-fixing controversy in England in 2010, Misbah has led Pakistan admirably, squaring Test series against South Africa (2010) and the West Indies before beating Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka (all in 2011) and routing then world-number-one England 3-0 in January last year.

Misbah said playing a Test series in South Africa would be his toughest challenge so far, but expressed confidence that if his players perform to their potential then they can pose serious threat to the Proteas dominance at home.

Misbah said Pakistan, ranked fourth in Test cricket, face tough conditions in South Africa where wickets are greener and bouncier than back home.

Misbah added that Pakistan's much-hyped bowling attack would be key to their success against Proteas.

The captain further said he was confident that players like Umar Gul and Junaid Khan would be their strike bowlers, adding they also have a good spin backup in Saeed Ajmal.